It's The Cat's Meow: 4 Signs Your Cat Might Be Sick

Posted on: 12 December 2015

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If you have a cat, you know how independent they can be. They want to take care of themselves. And, for the most part, they're pretty good at it. However, even though your cat is capable of caring for its basic needs – such as personal hygiene and finding rodents to eat – you still need to be there to make sure it's healthy. To maintain the health of your cat, you should conduct monthly inspections of its eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. Here are a few things to look for in each area.

Eyes

Take a look at your cat's eyes. They should be clear and moist. The surface of the eye should be bright and the pupils should be the same size. The whites of your cat's eyes shouldn't have any additional colors besides a few red blood vessels. If your cat's eyes are dull, sunken in, or have a thick discharge, you should schedule an appointment with the veterinarian.

Nose

Your cat's nose should be moist but not wet. It should also be clean and the nostrils should be clear. If your cat's nose is dry or cracked, or if there is a thick yellow discharge, your cat may have health issues that will require veterinary care.

Ears

When it comes to your cat's ears, they should be smooth, dry and clean. You should be able to see straight into their ear canal and there shouldn't be any odors. If there is a discharge inside your cat's ears or if they're swollen, they may have an ear infection. If there are small red spots inside near the ear canal, your cat may have ear mites.

Mouth

When you inspect your cat's mouth, you should include the teeth and tongue. The teeth should be white and the gums should be pink. Your cat's tongue should be pink and moist. If your cat's teeth are damaged, or its gums are discolored, it might have dental problems that will require veterinary care. If your cat's tongue is swollen or gray in color, you should contact the veterinarian as soon as possible. It may have an infection. It's also important that you smell your cat's breath. Foul odors could signify an infection or intestinal problems.

You want to take care of your cat. A monthly health inspection will help you catch problems that might require a trip to the veterinary hospital.